Control systems can include hardware and software for programmable logic controllers (PLCs), programmable automation controllers (PACs), embedded systems and edge computing, dedicated controls, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) and advanced process controls (APC), along with distributed control systems (DCS), supervisory controls and data acquisition (SCADA) and other controllers, such as industrial PCs (iPCs). Open-loop control is when the output (decision) doesn’t feed back into the control loop. Closed-loop control uses the output to influence, or provide feedback for, the next decision.
